By Leah Murray & Scott Roblin

UPDATE: RedHat Co-Op blaze extinguished, one released from hospital

May 26, 2018 | 9:39 AM

REDCLIFF, AB – One person has been released from hospital after a monstrous fire at the RedHat Co-Op building in Redcliff on Saturday morning.

It’s still unclear what time the fire started, but black smoke could be seen rising from the building before 9 a.m.

Redcliff Fire were the first crews on scene and called in back-up from Cypress County’s Box Springs department, which was followed by crews from Medicine Hat and the Dunmore Fire Station.

Video from the scene can be viewed here.

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The majority of the damage occurred on the north side of the building. Redcliff Fire Chief Wade Gleisner says it’s believed that the fire started outside.

Spreading to a nearby pallet of cardboard boxes, fire crews did all they could to prevent the blaze from hopping over a chain-link fence and into a neighbouring lumber yard.

Full extent of the damage from across the Trans-Canada Highway. Fire unable to confirm if there are injuries involved. #MedHat pic.twitter.com/EwNuNpV9Ie

— Scott Roblin (@CHATTVRoblin) May 26, 2018

There was little to no damage to the area near the lumber yard. The most damage was located on the outside of the building and a nearby semi-trailer. Gleisner is hoping for just water and smoke damage inside.

There were a number of employees working inside at the time of the fire. The company has confirmed one person suffered minor injuries in the fire, but has since been released from hospital after receiving treatment. All other employees were safely evacuated from the building.

RedHat Co-Op just confirmed one person suffered minor injuries in this morning’s fire. Taken to hospital for treatment and has since been released. All other employees safely evacuated. #MedHat

— Scott Roblin (@CHATTVRoblin) May 26, 2018

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Gleisner and an investigator from Edmonton will be on scene over the next few days.